What to Pack to the Hospital for LABOR? | Physician Assistant and Mom to 4 Shares.

Summary

In this video, Diana, a physician assistant specializing in women’s health, guides expectant parents on how to pack a hospital bag for labor and delivery. Drawing from her personal experience as a mother of four, she covers essential items for mom, baby, and support partners, including documents, toiletries, clothing, entertainment, and specialty items like a birthing ball or journal. Diana emphasizes timing, comfort, and practicality, and highlights the one non-negotiable item—the car seat, legally required for bringing the baby home. With practical tips and thoughtful advice, this comprehensive guide helps parents feel prepared, organized, and confident for their hospital stay.

Takeaways

• 😀 Pack your hospital bag around 36 weeks of pregnancy, or earlier if you're at risk of an early delivery (e.g., twins).
• 😀 Vaginal delivery typically involves a hospital stay of 1–2 days, while a C-section requires 3–4 days.
• 😀 Organize your bag into two parts if your hospital requires room changes: one for labor and one for recovery.
• 😀 Essential documents to bring include your ID, insurance card, birth plan, medication list, and hospital paperwork.
• 😀 Bring personal toiletries (toothbrush, deodorant, shampoo, etc.) for comfort, as hospital-provided items may not be to your liking.
• 😀 Pack a few pairs of socks (preferably with grips) and slip-on shoes for hospital walks. Avoid bare feet on the hospital floor.
• 😀 If you prefer, bring your own clothing such as jammies, a robe, comfortable sweats, or leggings. Choose maternity clothes for comfort.
• 😀 Don't forget nursing bras (no underwire) to make breastfeeding easier while staying modest in front of others.
• 😀 Bring a journal to capture your emotions and experiences during this major life event.
• 😀 For your baby, the hospital will provide most essentials (diapers, wipes, bottles). Just pack a few outfits for photos and a going-home outfit.
• 😀 Car seat is a MUST. Hospitals check that it's installed correctly before letting you take your baby home. Many hospitals offer free installation assistance.

Q & A

What should I bring to the hospital for a vaginal delivery?

For a vaginal delivery, you should pack important documents (ID, insurance card, birth plan, medication list), toiletries (toothbrush, deodorant, shampoo, makeup), comfortable clothes (sweats, nursing bras, socks), personal items like a journal and camera, and baby clothes like a baby blanket and outfit for pictures and going home.

How early should I pack my hospital bag?

It's recommended to pack your hospital bag around 36 weeks. This allows time in case you go into labor early, but you may want to pack earlier if you're expecting a preterm delivery, such as with twins.

What items are necessary for a C-section delivery?

For a C-section, you’ll need comfortable clothing that won't rub on your incision, such as loose pants or jammies. You’ll also need your basic toiletries, underwear (preferably mesh from the hospital), a nursing bra, and items to help you stay entertained. Consider packing two bags: one for labor and one for recovery.

What should I pack for my partner or support person?

Your partner should pack snacks, comfortable clothing, pajamas, toiletries, a tablet, or a book to pass the time. If they plan on staying overnight, they should also bring items like a pillow and personal hygiene essentials.

Do I need to bring a car seat to the hospital?

Yes, a car seat is required by law to take your baby home. Hospitals check that it's properly installed, and many offer a service to help install it correctly if you're unsure.

What about makeup—should I bring it to the hospital?

Bringing makeup is optional. If it helps you feel more like yourself, pack essentials like mascara and lip gloss for photos with your baby, but it's entirely up to personal preference.

Are hospital-provided items enough, or should I bring my own?

While the hospital will provide basic items like diapers, wipes, and baby blankets, you may want to bring your own clothes for comfort, a few baby outfits for photos, and any special items like a birthing ball if you have specific plans for your delivery.

What kind of underwear should I bring to the hospital?

It’s best to bring underwear that you don’t mind getting stained, as you’ll experience postpartum bleeding. Mesh underwear provided by the hospital is a good option, especially if you’ve had a C-section. Avoid tight underwear that may irritate your incision site.

What are some important items to pack for personal comfort?

Consider packing a comfortable pillow (with a distinctive pillowcase), your own toiletries (like deodorant, face moisturizer), and entertainment items like your phone, laptop, or headphones. Make sure to bring charging cables, and if you need glasses or medical devices, don't forget them.

Can I use essential oils or bring other personal items to the hospital?

Some hospitals allow essential oils, but it’s important to check beforehand. Hospitals may have restrictions on certain personal items, so confirm if you want to bring things like candles, diffusers, or other specialty products.